The Guardian's Women's Football Weekly - Spain’s fireworks and Portugal’s Euro 2025 lifeline – Women’s Football Weekly

Episode Date: July 8, 2025

Faye Carruthers is joined by Suzy Wrack, Robyn Cowen and Alex Ibaceta to reflect on Spain’s six-goal statement, Portugal’s dramatic late leveller and look ahead to England and Wales in Group D

This is The Guardian. Would you have described her as a friend? Yes, yeah, very much so. I mean, Aunty Gina, she looks after me. From Guardian Australia, this is a story about power. To me, she's sort of like a female Donald Trump. Privilege. Mrs Citizen Kane. This is an ancient story.

And influence. Gina Reinhart is emboldened. I'm Sarah Martin.others and welcome to the Guardian Women's Football Weekly. Sintillating Spain show exactly why they're favourites for Euro 2025. Five goals in the first match, six in their second against Belgium. Watch out Italy, they are after seven. Speaking of Italy, there was drama-rama in Geneva in a crazy game with Portugal's late equaliser

setting up a tense finish to Group B. Norway's star-studded lineup finally do the business, becoming the first team through to the quarterfinals. Iceland hit an iceberg though, another First Nation knocked out of the tournament. Host Switzerland sent them packing, setting up a straight shootout with Finland. We'll preview England and Wales' must-win matches on Wednesday night, update you on WAFKON and some transfer news, plus we'll take your questions.

And that's today's Guardian Women's Football Weekly. Wow, what a panel we have today. Some bleary-eyed journalists based out in Switzerland right now. Susie Rack, how are you doing? How was your fondue? Alive. The fondue was brilliant though. Really good. We went for their traditional one. It was very tasty. Okay. There's a question later on in the pod that, you know, I'm going to need your expertise on. Robin Cowan, it is lovely to see you. How are you doing out there? I'm already on my second cup of tea. I wanted a third, but I've managed, I'm going to pace

myself a little bit. It's pretty exhausting. I want to say thank you to Beth for pointing out the difficulties of being with your family and without your family. I'm with mine, but yeah, both is a challenge. Yes, I've experienced both and I can agree, a challenge. You also have two, that is tricky. So well done you. And I have to say, I did award you, I'm not sure if you heard the other day, I awarded you with the best commentary line so far

of the tournament with wonky numbers, which had me chuckling, chuckling and very easily pleased. Cannot say what I wanted to say on air which was a swear word and stupid because it was really it was so annoying. You had to commentate on them, it's almost as bad as Stoke with the stripes and West Brom, terrible. Come on Norway, sort it out. Alex Ibersetter, it is lovely to see you. You must be absolutely cock-a-hoop at the minute watching your team. It's not been too bad. Plenty of goals, plenty of reasons to be excited so

I can't say I'm having a bad time at the moment. No, I bet you're not. We've all predicted Spain to win and actually that is where we're going to start because I know that we normally go chronologically here on the Guardian Women's Football Weekly but bearing in mind we've all tipped your country to win the title. Let's kick things off with Monday nights games in Group B because we were in for a treat, one crazy goldfest and one that served up all of the drama. So we'll start off in tune where Spain knew a win would put them in a good position to qualify for the quarterfinals and it finished Spain 6 Belgium 2. Now then please don't judge

my Spanish pronunciations on this I should probably get you to list all of the goal scorers. Alex that would be much better or Robin obviously. I think for the entertainment I think we should just leave it for you. Oh no, please don't. Okay, two goals for Alexia. Goals from Irina Paredes, Esther Gonzalez, Mariona Caldente and Claudia Pina. Okay, not too bad. That was good. Belgium's goals came from Justine Van Hevema and Hannah Juerlings as well.

Italy failed to beat Portugal later on so it meant that Spain qualified for the knockouts with a game to spare and it was a game that served up some of the best attacking play but also some of the worst defending the tournament has seen so far and there have been some interesting defences. Both teams arguably could and should have scored more goals. What are your reflections on the game as a whole, Suzie? Yeah, that's a pretty good summary to be fair. I mean, I think Alexia's two goals in particular were just so, so nicely worked. And that first one, I watched it back and I watched it back

again and I watched it back again. And like the movement of Spain for it is just so wonderful, that quick passing, those short passes. but Belgium are literally stood still almost like they're literally too scared to put a foot in or try and make the tackle I mean I know against Spain that's like an incredible ask to try and actually get the ball away from the feet of any of those forwards but you've got to try at some point because it was like they were watching pinball around them like they were the little posts in the pinball machine just literally watching it ping past and that is I think where it fell apart for them because you know they they looked dangerous on the break when they did you know have those chances the second goal was absolutely

stunning Belgium second that is. But their defensive performance, I mean, you know, it's Belgium, it's Spain. So like, you know, you've got to give them a little bit of leeway for the sort of quality they're up against and the gap in quality and player pool, etc. between the two sides is just huge. They gave a good account of themselves considering but yeah, I mean, all of the goals, Claudio Pina's goals just, you know, really cherry on the top stuff. And then Puteus' little sort of clip backwards at the end as well, just yeah, I mean, it's delectable. And it's terrifying that, you know, we were sort of saying at the start of this tournament, oh, you know, who's going to win the golden boot? Well, Spain, they'll have, you know, a lot of different

goal scorers. So they probably won't have the golden boot in winner in there. And then tournament or who's going to win the Golden Boot? Well, Spain, they'll have a lot of different goal scorers, so they probably won't have the Golden Boot winner in there. And then they scored that many goals that you're just like, actually, they're probably going to take Golden Boot, Silver Boot and Bronze Boot at this stage. It helps they've got the kinder side of the draw too, in that they're facing this level of teams and are able to sort of build momentum into the tournament but yeah they just look absolutely thrilling at the moment but not unbeatable as well because you know obviously they can concede and we know that. But a force to be reckoned with going forward Robin for sure, six points, 11 goals after just two matches but

you know let's talk about how they can be got at if you like because those defensive frailties were on show throughout that performance. Yeah I mean we can try and hold on to that can't we but I think it's just oh okay we'll just score some more. You know I think actually yeah I mean they played a high. I mean the Belgium goal that was set up by Wullart was brilliant, that through ball. And they did have another one ruled out, but it just feels like, okay, we'll just score some more. And yeah, it looked like they were just... It was like watching a five-a-side, you know, it just resembled my, you know, I used sort of five-a-side tournaments and you know suddenly this team with a kind of all the kit and the kind of official badge and their initials turned up you went oh god we're

in for one here and you just got absolutely battered it was just like that and they were not even breaking a sweat and yeah they're scoring from a set Peters as well come on now just give us something it's yeah no it's it's scary and I read Sid Lowe's brilliant interview with Alexia before and and I messaged him saying okay I'm scared of her again she sounded so defiant and focused and ready and totally over the sort of issues, the sort of the injury issues that affected her mental health as well. And yeah, she's just looks back to her best and even more mature and experienced. So yeah, frightening, frightening.

Yep. And she certainly did, Alex, she's going to get all the plaudits, shaping up to become a Ballon d'Or favourite already. But behind her, Patri Gaiaro, you know, how brilliant is she? How good was she in this match and how important is she in making Spain tick? Yeah, here we have a saying that when Patri Gaiaro plays well, the team plays well. And that's just how it is. She's an absolute working machine offensively defensively. When the ball is going through her in a match, that's when you know, the fluidity is there. It's just it's, it's one plus one essentially, when she plays well, everyone plays well. She's such an important player in terms of being able to liberate

kind of Alexia and Aytan and whoever is in front of her to allow them to go higher up the pitch, because she's a six, but she doesn't drop as deep to receive the ball a lot of the time. But I mean, both Barcelona and Spain's center backs are able to kind of push up the pitch, to kind of close down the gap between the back line and the attacking line. So Batlle actually receives the ball quite high,

which allows Alexia and Aitana to go either outside with the wingers or them to go up with the striker. So her positioning and her movement of the ball is just absolute key to be able to kind of give everyone else the space that they need to start the attack. And it's kind of ridiculous to say that you know so many players rely on one player. And it's not of ridiculous to say that, you know, so many players rely on one player. And it's not true at the same time, because we know Spain are so agile on every single position, every single player is able to do an important part, but Bathory is such a key, key part of everything.

And, you know, again, I'm actually quite happy we're talking about her because usually we don't talk about her because she's kind of, she does all the dirty work in terms of recoveries in terms of, you know, starting everything. Everything starts after her, essentially. But actually, yesterday in Alexia's first goal, it was, you know, Mariona gave it to Patri. Patri did a ridiculously good, like, kind of reverse sideways pass, which is a lot harder than it seems, because you have to shift your entire body weight to make the ball go through and she just cut between two Belgium defenders to give Vicky a perfect ball to start that attack that led to the Alexia goal. So yeah, she's a player that when she plays well, you know, the team plays well because she's probably one of the key key positions and players in the entire team. Yeah, I do think we have to give those kind of players the plaudits they deserve because the front line always get the stars, don't they?

But and by the way, the way that I said Patrick Guajarro and the way you said it sounded like two completely different players. I didn't do Spanish at school was quite evident. To be fair, that last name is quite when you read school, it was quite evident. To be fair that last name is quite... when you read it it's like you panic. Yes, yes. It's like the G and the J and the UI and it's just not the easiest one. The advice I was always given when I first started out in broadcasting was say it confidently, say it fast. Nobody notices. Not quite sure. Belgian manager Elisabeth Gunnars-Dottir said,

it wasn't an easy game for Spain. Everything I looked for and wanted from my players I saw. It wasn't enough though and that's something we have to build on. And obviously that later result, Suzy dumped them out of the tournament with a game to spare, which is really disappointing for them because actually I think they probably have more but how much are they going to take away from the fact that they challenged Spain and made it hard for them? Probably not much ultimately because being out of the Euros is just going to hurt more than the two goals and the beauty of the second one but mean, they've had a chance in this group

of getting through it, because outside Spain, the rest of those teams are fairly well balanced, I would say, in sort of level. So I think that will be the most frustrating thing is that there was a chance. And they've had some decent results this year. They only lost to Spain 3-2, was it, in the Nations League back in February. They beat England 3-2 in April. So they've had a decent set of results in the build-up to this tournament. Some heavy losses as well. The reverse fixture against England was 5-0, but given the gap between them, that's to be expected.

So I think they will be extremely frustrated that they've not taken more from this. They've got a statement to make really in the last game in terms of their worth and just a little bit of face-saving. Going away with no points is not what any situation any team wants to be in and they've got some decent players in that side. So there'll be minimal, minimal consolation in the fact that they were able to get two past Spain when you conceded six. But yeah, a disappointing tournament. How do Spain go about approaching their final game against Italy? Alex, they're going to want to top the group with tougher opponents on the horizon, aren't they? Yeah, definitely. I think it is right to say that Belgium kind of did everything well.

I think the manager could be happy at the end. You know, as good as you are defending, defending for 90 minutes for any team, no matter what players you have, is a big ask, especially against a team like Spain, who are just relentless on the attack. Essentially, you saw the first half and it was just Spain kind of tiring them out and Belgium being able to kind of hold up. Second half was just Belgium, you know, being tired and essentially, you know, it is what it is, they are human. So when you look at that and you kind of look at a side like Italy, who have a lot more experience in terms of big players and big occasions and big

games that could potentially hold it up a lot more than than Belgium. But at the same time, they have been struggling this tournament a lot. I think their first two matches have been a bit disappointing considering the quality of the players that they have on the pitch, the style of play that they try to play. Italy is known for defensive style play. I think the players that Italy have on the squad are quite the opposite, though they are good defensively. They're quite an attacking team, they're quite an offensive team, which is quite impressive for Italy side, just historically of Italian football. So I think Italy is going to be a good challenge. I don't think they're going to be the challenge that everyone expects because

they have been a bit disappointing. But at the same time, it's a different style of play. It's a play that's going to be, I think, a lot more open than Portugal and Belgium have been, just because Italy have a lot more confidence to go forwards and know they have a lot better quality individually than Portugal and Belgium to be able to get something from the attack. Aerial duels are going to be important as well. I mean, when you go up against, I'm not going to even try to pronounce her name from the top of my head, the Belgian player, she's tall, she's soaring, as good as Patri Jaro defended her,

she's going to win that ball no matter what. And Italy has those players as well that are good in aerial duels that are tall that are strong so that's going to be an interesting challenge as well but yeah I think Spain at the end what we've said you know as much as they show their the defensive weaknesses and the weaknesses that they have in key positions on the pitch they just keep outscoring whatever goes wrong. It's going to be fascinating to watch, hopefully another fun game as well. Exactly. Unless you were writing it up like poor producer Sof who had to just keep ripping up her pages and starting all over again. In Geneva, the high stakes game in the group between Italy and Portugal and Italy knew that

victory was going to take them through to the knockouts. Portugal though, knew if they lost, it was all over. And the game certainly delivered in terms of its drama. Three disallowed goals, one red card, huge saves, hitting the woodwork, a Galazzo and an 89th minute strike keeping Portugal in the tournament. It finished Portugal 1, Italy 1, Deanna Gomez struck with a minute to play cancelling out Cristiano Giurelli's superb opener and a late red card for Ana Borges reduced Portugal to 10 but Italy just couldn't take advantage of their extra player. Was it the game of the tournament for you so far Robin? You didn't have to write it up. Yeah I

think Sophie is obviously she's still dealing with the trauma. Traumatised. Yes. But no, it was brilliant, brilliant chaos, wasn't it? Especially towards the end. And I'm really pleased for Portugal because that first game against Spain, I mean, the context of it, I can't imagine how they must have felt with Diogo Jota news, very fresh in the mind and all that. It shocks everyone and I'm sure a lot of them knew him personally. And then to face Spain, that's really, in terms of circumstances, preparing for that game,

they were up against it to say the least. So I'm really pleased they managed to keep their tournament alive. And yeah, I mean, I know they replaced the goalkeeper, didn't they? Patricia Morais came in. And yeah, gosh, she was enjoying herself, wasn't she? She was celebrating the saves and I saw a clip on social media at full time with her celebrating with the fans, yelling into a megaphone. I mean, this is what we want to see, isn't it? These are the scenes we want to see. Brilliant. Just great. Yeah. Great, great, vibey game. Love that. That's the best description. Great vibey game. I mean, look, they had shipped 25 goals in five matches before this one. And Francisco Neto made so many changes, as Robin said.

made so many changes as Robin said. Patricia Mareis earning a 99th cap in goal, Anna Borges bringing her 186 caps of experience into the back line, although that experience did tip over a little bit. We'll discuss whether or not that was a red card by the way. Their playmaker Kika Nazareth as well who spoken about a lot on the pod appeared for the first time since that ankle injury she suffered in March and the changes paid off Susie. Oh yeah massively I think bringing Patricia Murray back in in particular was huge every time she made a stat save I was singing that's a more a in my head you know that little the Eeyore gif that the GIF not meme that does the rounds every time

You know that song comes up. I just had that playing playing in my mind at all times I'll share it in the in our chat But but yeah, I thought like some absolutely incredible saves and she celebrated like, you know, like like they had scored every time She made one Yeah, like you you just can't underestimate the impact of having Kika back on the pitch from a morale point of view for the team. Like she's the, you know, the talisman of that side.

And yeah, it was maybe not as influential as she can be at times, but like, you know, she's still returning. So just having her on the pitch and having her involved is you know a huge boost for them but yeah a huge turnaround given how many goals they conceded and yeah you do wonder why some of those more senior players kind of hadn't been played in sort of both the game against Spain but also some of the the warm-up games in the lead up a little bit more because you know their experience really paid off in this one. Yeah, definitely did because that final 10 minutes plus stoppage time, Deanna Silver

thought she'd scored in the 80th minute but there was that lengthy VAR check to rule it out for offside and so many teams have folded in that situation and that experience exactly did help them through. They kept the pressure on Italy. This is what Francisco Neto had to say. We were solid, we were brave. We played high, pressed our opponents, played like a team in the European Championship. We're a team with personality and ambition. It's not easy when you're losing, then you score, but it's disallowed again and then you score again. I'm very proud. And the last words I told my players was to play and to have fun. Playing in a European Championship is a privilege. They're friends, they want to do things for each other as a team. They really rise to the challenge. Could

this be the moment, bearing in mind the way they earned that point, Alex, to kind of spark life into their campaign after a pretty difficult few months? Yeah, I think obviously considering that Belgium is at the bottom of the group with no points is going to be kind of a confidence boost, is kind of the one confidence boost that they can probably grasp considering how their campaign has gone so far. I mean, they're a team that has ups and downs. I think they've performed well when they've played in the, when they played in the nations league, when they played in the second division, they thrived against the smaller teams,

but when you put them up against bigger teams, they struggle a lot. So they're kind of that in-between level now, just getting used to playing against big, big teams and being able to get some success out of them. I think their, you know, togetherness and how much they care for the same thing is kind of what gets them through a lot of the times. I think individually they have a really, really, really good quality, you know,

the football style in Portugal is very similar to that of Spain. When I look at the foundation of the kind of football that the Portuguese players play, I think they've, as a national team, they struggled a lot to kind of find someone that can actually gel the team together in a very productive way to be able to compete against big teams. And they continue to show that struggle.

But I think going up against Belgium in the last match, knowing that there's still a possibility that they could get out of the group. In terms of points, they can equal Italy if Italy lose against Spain again, it is down to the goal difference. But when Italy are coming up against Spain, you can't have the hope that Spain are going to score a lot of goals and kind of help you out with that. So I think Portugal are going to go into this last game with a lot of dreams, a lot of hope. And if the team do show up together on that day,

I think they can actually get something out of Italy. Italy, they're not a high scoring team. They're a very key moment team. And we saw against Portugal now, Italy, I think they had like 14 attempts on goal and just one goal. So I think Portugal in that sense could kind of take something out of that and say that, you know, going up against Belgium, why not? Why can't we

qualify? You know, why can't we qualify for the quarterfinals? We can get three points. We can kind of hope that Spain score enough goals. And I think the togetherness and again, you know, having as Susi mentioned, I think Kika is a key, key player for them. And, you know, as, as experience goes with Ana Borges and, you know, Jessica Silva, you have these players with a lot of experience, but when it comes to kind of morale and, and having that motivation to go through Kika playing in Barcelona has been a key for that as well with that winning mentality that a lot of these players don't necessarily have. But yeah, I think Portugal can definitely go into this last game and be confident.

Yeah, well, Suzie's confident in them. She's just posted. When you make a big save and your euros are saved, that's a morey. Oh, that's why she's the journal... She's the wordsmith here, isn't she? Clever! I had to sing it. I've rhymed save with saved so like let's not let's not let's not big up my skills too far. I'm gonna put it up on Instagram so you can see it. Alex has just reminded me so I'm doing Spain Italy and that horrible word permutation usually I'm just concentrating on the game I'm doing, but I reminded you know,

when you get to the third round of group games, you have to know what's happening elsewhere, don't you? Yeah, and yellow cards. I hate it, yeah. And I have to do maths, you know. I don't know. Maths in live direct. Do not like that.

Two plus two, seven. Yeah, you need to rely on your team for that Robin I need to delegate the maths yeah, I'll do the maths while talking That's too much too much juggling Well, let me use that dreaded word permutations. They mean that Spain are through Belgium go home So it is just that other match that's important in terms of who progresses to the quarterfinals. Italy need at least a draw over Spain in that final match. Portugal know that they've got to win it regardless to have a chance of reaching the quarterfinals. So Italy, Spain is eight o'clock in Bern on Friday, Portugal, Belgium eight o'clock in Bern on Friday at Portugal Belgium eight o'clock in Sion we still haven't decided if it's Sion or Sion somebody tell me because I've said

something different each time anyway I shall find out from someone Swiss right let's look to group A second games underway on Sunday night and in the early kickoff Norway put themselves on the brink of qualification with a 2-1 victory over Finland. Gemma Granger's side had the perfect start, they went ahead through an even Nystrom-owned goal just three minutes into the game but Finland rallied impressively and equalised through Una Savenius. Caroline Graham Hansen's moment of magic broke Finnish hearts though making it 2-2 for Norway.

We spoke about the Norway conundrum last week Susi and in our preview pods as well but you know they scraped to win again. What did you make of their performance this time? Not very convincing and very very very fortunate to be in this very very very kind group. You know I fear for them in the knockouts but you know there is the potential that they could build some momentum in this group that helps them in the knockouts but I'm not convinced so far you know I think they've only scored actually one goal themselves you know here it was an own goal early on and then Caroline Graham Hansen's cross essentially that went in off the post. It was a miss hit cross wasn't it?

Come on, are we saying a moment of magic really? Exactly yeah it's not it's not a strike it was it was fortunate and I think they've been pretty I think they're pretty fortunate against Switzerland as well so yeah not very convincing I just don't I don't understand. I just don't understand them. I just don't understand how those players just cannot play together for some reason. It just like blows my mind. It's one of the great mysteries of our time. Well, I mean, they could progress quite far with those players not being able to play with each other. And you know Caroline Graham Hansen quite well, Alex. She

missed that sitter before she found the equaliser, also played a huge role in the opener. What else does she bring to this Norwegian side? I think we need to dedicate an entire broadcast episode to Caroline Graham Hansen, honestly. No, I think, yeah, to add on to what Suzie says, it is just an absolute wonder how Norway don't, you know, they could easily go the Spain method and outscore their defensive problems with the players they have, but it is kind of ridiculous when you think about the fact that they can't score goals when they have Karel Amgram Hansen, Friedemann and Gura Reit and Ada Hegerberg. Wille Bori said that also in Gredengen in the midfield

and you just look at that, you're just like what is, why, why, why, big question mark over that. But I think Karen O'Graham-Hanson, she is a player that gets really mad when things don't go fairly. She's an emotional player when it comes to fairness and I think she's going to look at her team and she's like, why are we incapable of playing well when we have the players that we have? And she is definitely one that gets frustrated when it comes to that. I think the national team for her in general is just frustration because she knows that they could do a lot better but they don't for whatever reason that may be. So in the games, she kind of puts her head down and when Karen McGraw-Hanson puts her head down,

things happen, things happen. And she is okay with kind of putting a lot of pressure on her back and getting it out and making those crosses, making those key plays that lead to a goal. And I think that for any team, having a player that is capable to change the game literally in just one moment. She does miss hitters as we saw her do, but she is the player that reacts. If she messes

up she reacts, if she loses the ball she reacts, if her team go down a goal she reacts and that mentality and effectiveness, I think a lot of players have that mentality but the effectiveness not always matches up to that mentality and that intention that a lot of players have that mentality, but the effectiveness not always kind of, you know, matches up to that mentality and that intention that a lot of players have. Caroline Graham-Hanson, she's such a quality player that her actions match her intentions. And you can see that in a team like Norway, when they do need a boost in those key moments, because they're incapable of kind of producing those moments themselves as a team. Having a player like Caroline Graham-Hanson is just a cheat code on any team really. Yeah, Finland have perhaps been the surprise package in the tournament so far Robin. Marco Salaranta said we played very well against very good

opponents. I feel we should have got something out of the game. The result just doesn't feel fair but all credit to Norway of course. It's not fair but well done. They dominated every single metric in the game, bar the one that mattered. You know and this is a game of football, there is only one scoreline that matters. But what have you made of them so far? I've been really impressed yeah. We thought they would be the sort of the team that were that were going to go out and you know I guess we get onto Iceland. They've been surprisingly knocked course, surprisingly knocked out early. But no, I was really impressed. Like they got varied sort of build up. They were sort of going long and then going short. And I guess it's just that lack of quality in the Finnish maybe for them. Pardon the fun. Not

the only words. So bad. So bad. That's bad Smith found to it, Suzie. So bad. That's bad, isn't it? Apologies. But yeah, I thought they played really well. They were easy on the eye and they scored a really good goal. And yeah, as the coach, you must be absolutely furious. You just think this is so unjust. But as you said, this is football. And yeah, it's just Norway. It's yeah, going back to them. They, they, I know Tim Stillman was saying it just, they're just so baffling, aren't they? I'm really pleased for Gemma Granger obviously as the only English coach.

I guess the difference is that they're continuing to not play very well, but they're now winning. So I guess that's, that's something. Progressed. Yeah, I get that. They could be onto a real hiding at some point because it's out of possession. They just look really suspect. So yeah, I mean, I guess good for them. But there's a reckoning coming. Yeah, it could be around the corner. However, they do take top spot and they are through to the quarterfinals. Well, because of what happened in the late kickoff which was Switzerland beating Iceland. So the hosts moved to Bern and delighted their support earning their first victory of the tournament a 2-0

win over Iceland. Massive for Pia Sundhag's side. They look really bright going forward. Geraldine Rutella at the heart of it once again. How did they get the job done in this one, Susie? Yeah, just like they're really well organised side. I was really impressed with them in the opening game. I was really impressed with them again. Leo Walthy has been brilliant in sort of controlling the game and the pace of it from midfield. And yeah, they show like, I would say really good potential going into the knockouts like for me they've been far more convincing than Norway despite having lost to them. Iman Benny I think looks absolutely

brilliant has obviously joined Man City and that's like a really exciting thing she's only 18 years old got a lot of things to be quite excited about in her sort of arrival on the European stage in this way. But they, yeah, I'd like, I don't know what Pia's done to sort of get them this well put together in a relatively short space of time because prior to the tournament beginning, they, you know, the results have been a little bit up and down. There'd been a few questions asked, the sheen of their world-class manager coaching, the Euros host had gone a little bit domestically. So yeah, it's really good and it's great for the tournament moving forward because the Swiss fans have been phenomenally good. I'm really enjoying their vibe around these games and the support for the team.

You always say how much of an impact can a loud home crowd actually have on results, but I do think it is playing a little bit of a role in just elevating them that step further and maybe that's the difference but maybe that's doing them a disservice as well as a team but everything has come together at the right moment for them and I think they look really really kind of well organized. Not quite the same for Iceland though Alex, first side to get knocked out of the tournament and they're probably going to be sitting there feeling like they haven't had a chance to show their best really. Yeah definitely I think they've kind of been neutralised and the matches that they've played you know they still have big players but I think over the past few years the key players have kind of been either retiring or just not being able to kind of keep

up that momentum and Iceland you know they're not a. And Iceland, you know, they're not a footballer nation. So, you know, if they do well, it is going to be kind of unexpected, so to say. And I think now, yeah, I think they're going into a new cycle when you have big players retiring and leaving. And it's going to be interesting to see the future of Iceland football, because they have produced really, really good players that have played in big teams across Europe. And yeah, I think they're just, they're just not being able to kind of capitalise on the things that they do well, not say that they're doing everything wrong because it's quite the opposite. I think they've, they've showed what they're, what they're good at and what they're bad at essentially. But when they get in front of goal, when they

get those key moments, they're just unable to capitalise. And at the end, you know, we said it, you know, there's one, one stat that matters when it comes to advancing through football, and it is scoring and they haven't been able to kind of necessarily get their head together to produce those goals. And, you know, whether that be the players that are on the pitch, or the manager, or the system, just this tournament isn't theirs. They're not necessarily at the level to be able to compete. And I think they know that as well. And it is what it is. It's the sad reality of going through a cycle and having to start again. But again, Iceland have always been there for all these major tournaments and that is respectable. But right

now they're just not at a good moment. I think you could see that. Yeah, disappointing for them. But actually, let's talk about the Swiss crowds, Robin, because the hosts are always heavily supported. But seeing the stadium full and the extent of the fan marches in Switzerland has been brilliant. And we got this email in from Jim Hearson. Hello, Faye, Susie and friends.

How important is it for the tournament and future development of the women's game in the country that Switzerland grasp the opportunity to make the next round? Hosts doing well always boosts the competition, but it feels particularly vital in a place where women's football is still gaining traction. Keep up the good work, Jim. P.S. Faye, I think you were getting fondue mixed with raclette on Sunday's pod. The former is only for for dipping into while the latter is scraped onto a Plate usually with meat pickles and potatoes. We will discuss the cheese in a second. Let's focus on the football first Robin, what do you make of Jim's comments? Yeah, no, it's really important I think actually Susie kind of answered this on the Guardian Football Weekly yesterday as similar similar, you know, because Switzerland is, you know, it's still fledgling in women's football and the respect it has for it.

I think it's going to do absolute wonders, you know, the league's still very much, I mean, not professional, I guess some of them are sort of semi-professional. But I think actually that for me, just because I don't really know the context as well, that for me, just because I don't really know the context as well, first of all, when I walk around where I've got an Airbnb with my family, everywhere, they are everywhere. I think they're advertising Lidl, that you know, there are players, you know, and it's fantastic. So it's like, you know, back in England, you know, you go into a supermarket and there's Leah Williamson there. So I think this is great. But second of all, I think the way the Swiss are playing is getting the crowd on board. Quite surprisingly, Pia Sundtager isn't, I don't think she's really known for like, attacking free-flowing football. She is playing these teenagers, like Susie mentioned, Benny, Schurtenleib, her assist, and then Vandela as well, the Assist, these are teenagers and they are performing on this stage

and they look so, so exciting. And you can see, you know, afterwards they're going up to the crowd and interacting with them. These are real magic moments that we've experienced, haven't we, in England. So I think it can't really be underestimated just how important it is for them to keep going and to get through. And I just think from just watching them, as a point of view, I really hope they do because they are playing really entertaining football. So, yeah, I think I'd like to see more of them, basically. So, yeah, and I think it's a great question. There is a journalist here in Spain, Sandra Agelme, she kind of summed up that feeling

really perfectly when it comes to, especially us that we've been in the Wombs game for so, so long and you've seen the progress. And it's kind of when these major tournaments come around, you can enjoy the matches, but at the same time in the back of your heads, you have this sort of pressure and sort of feeling of, you know, there's so many new people watching these games, there's so many new people kind of enjoying it and you watch a game thinking, wow, you know, this is a game that newcomers are going to like. And if the game goes bad, you kind of feel, you know, a bit of frustration. You're like, no, this isn't a representation of a women's football,

this isn't a representation of this team. it's not a representation of these players. And it is nice to see Switzerland kind of live up to that pressure, because if they were doing wrong and they were doing, you know, not playing well and not kind of showing the potential, we would be frustrated because of that pressure of there's so many new people kind of watching

Switzerland women's football and women's football in the tournament. And, you know, they're living up to that and they're kind of bringing in those newcomers and we can kind of breathe and you're like, yes, you're doing the job that we hoped that you would do and the people are loving it and this is kind of what we want to see. Of course, they were not actually frustrated because, you know, it's football and it happens, but you do feel that pressure on them to kind of represent themselves as

good as possible for everyone to kind of see that and respect that. Yeah, I'm now just going to dumb the conversation down and talk about cheese because I'm very, very disappointed because I thought that you dip bread into a fondue. And I know that because I've had it. Yeah, that's what I thought but but Jim says not. No he's saying you do. He said I think you're getting fondue mixed with Raclette. Yes the former is for dipping fondue is for dipping. Yeah but that's what I said that's why I said you risked losing your bread in the fondue. I don't think you mentioned Raclette I thought you implied that you

could either dip in would you be dipping into your fondue or scraping it out. Oh I see. I was sitting there going. I think that's what he's saying. I was talking of the jeopardy of losing your bread in the cheese. Which I ignored. I ignored your gaping error in your swish tea cheese because whilst raclette is probably delicious I just don't like the look of it of a plate in your like swish tea cheese because like I think like whilst Recolette is probably delicious like I just don't like the look of it of like a plate of delicious looking food with then this like huge lump of melted cheese just dolloped on top is weird whereas I much prefer the dip. Tasty yeah I bet it's delicious but it just looks weird I love a fondue. For me it's difficult because I've got all these

stupid allergies that make life very hard I have to the way. For me it's difficult because I've got all these stupid allergies that make life very hard. I have to almost have my, I mean it's a good thing I suppose, I have to almost have my own fondue which I can't even have anymore unless they do vegan fondue so now I can't eat cheese. But do not set me on the task of trying to find you a vegan fondue. A vegan and gluten-free. So if somebody else, before I knew that I couldn't have cow's milk, I would struggle with a fondue because somebody would put normal bread into the fondue, which would be a problem, so that I'd have to scrape cheese out early, so that I'd dip it on my plate so it didn't, do you know what I mean? That's what I was trying to say, but clearly

very, very wrong terminology used. I think we should spend longer on this very, very important topic. I know, said it once. It's much more important than the success of Swiss football. Now we can go into the types of cheese. Also critical. Yes, brilliant. Cheese to be continued. Right, game's in group A because that result that we were talking about feels like an age ago between Switzerland and Iceland. A set up

an all-or-nothing encounter between Finland and Switzerland in the final group game which is on Thursday. So that's an 8 o'clock kickoff in Geneva and Norway will play Iceland at 8 o'clock in turn. Right, that's it for part one. In part two, we're going to have a look at how England and Wales are shaping up as they look to avoid an early exit from the tournament. Would you have described her as a friend? Yes, yeah, very much so.

I mean, Auntie Gina, she looks after me. From Guardian Australia, this is a story about power. To me, she's sort of like a female Donald Trump. Privilege. Mrs. Citizen Kane. This is an ancient story. And influence. Gina Reinhart is emboldened.

I'm Sarah Martin. Search Gina and listen now. Welcome back to part two of the Guardian Women's Football Weekly. So England and Wales face must win encounters on Wednesday. So let's look at how both of them are shaping up ahead of their second group matches You were in the press conference Susie with Georgia Stamway ahead of the Netherlands game What sense did you get of the the mood in the camp? Well, I just love Georgia. I mean like literally at the end the press conference. We all just sat there going she's just so brilliant She's just so good. I just love her so much.

She's just so like honest and you know, she doesn't back away from any question and she speaks so well. And yeah, I mean, she was really honest about her own performance. She didn't think it was good enough that she was disappointed in it, that she tried to compensate for the things she was doing wrong with the things that she was disappointed in it, that she tried to compensate for the

things she was doing wrong with the things that she knew she could control, which was like running and getting tackles in and things like that and like trying to communicate that she was still working her socks off and could do something off the ball even if she couldn't do something on the ball and like she's just so so good. In terms of the vibe in camp, they're just really up for it. Like is the vibe, like lots of talk and she said that you know had lots of discussions about sort of going back to their roots and being proper England and playing for the little girl that that wanted to be there and that kind of stuff.

And it was all like clear that they had a lot of sort of reflection on the game to a point Georgia literally sort of first thing she said in the press conference was, I didn't really wanna do this press conference today. I'm fed up of talking. I just wanna focus on putting things right on the grass. Like there's a real determination to like write that wrong.

But I think Lucy Bronze played a big part of it. She actually said it before the game when I asked, when we sat down with her about the fact that they'd had slow starts in, winning starts, but slow starts against Austria and against Haiti and the Euros and the World Cup, you know, they weren't very convincing performances, but they got the wins. But the quality of the moment meant that was okay. And she said, we lost to France in the opening game in 2015, and then we went on to have our best ever finish in a tournament at that time. So Georgia was saying that Lucy had had that conversation with them as a group and that this isn't the end essentially.

So I mean, yeah, who knows what happens against the Netherlands on Wednesday night, but they aren't really up for it. And I think really frustrated that so many of them had a bad day at the same time. Yeah, what's going to be really fascinating, Robin, you know, because this kind of pressure is not what this England team are used to being under, you know, the kind of jeopardy of your, you know, potentially about to go out. Is there a danger that that determination could actually spill over into trying too hard and that they put so much pressure on themselves walking out against the Netherlands

that, you know, it's almost too much. How have they got to balance that and what have they got to do to improve? That's a really good point actually, yeah. But I think there's enough experience in there. I know there's been a lot of noise about the experience that they don't have, but there's a lot of experienced players in there still who've had a lot of major tournament experience and and it has been in a bit of jeopardy you know Lucy Bronze was talking about you know they lost to France in 2015 didn't they and that ended okay you know with a bronze medal in the World Cup so you know there are players there I think it's also to do with how Serena Vigman responds.

She's usually very, very good at being level-headed, although I think we were all a bit surprised by the scenes, the cutaways to her on that first game. That was a bit jarring actually, because we've not seen that before. But I trust her. And yeah, I think that's the thing. It is a bit concerning just for us as supporters and wanting to see them go through, because yeah, we haven't really seen this for a while, certainly under Serena Vigman. This is a must-win game, but I'm fairly confident they will respond,

because I don't, yes, a lot of the sort of criticism was sort of tactical, but it sounds like even from Georgia's standway, it was actually, we'll be better, we'll have more desire and we'll just be better. And if they just better, that's all, just perform to their level, I think they'll be all right. They'll be okay. I wish it was that easy.

The other thing she said is the game was really tight right and they still they played really badly and they could have got a draw so you know like that they said they can take a lot from that as well. Yeah obviously we're looking at it Alex from an England perspective from a Netherlands point of view they are a really strong opening performance against Wales. They know that a winner is going to take them into the knockouts. Where do you see their main threats and what are they going to be looking out for from England? I think the main threat has been a very well known Viviana Minima. We know her really well

from the Nubiusal and she is such a key player in everything. And I think she's finally back to just enjoying playing with her ACL injury and everything. She has struggled to get back to that enjoyment of just letting herself go and playing that. And I think when Viviana Miedema is at that level, she is probably one of the most dangerous players in any given match against any given opponent. And you look at the Netherlands as a whole. And I think a lot of the players,

the younger players particularly, that over the past few years have never been at the level of the more experienced players of Miedema, van der Donk, these players that have been carrying the team. You have these young players finally being up to the level of the more experienced players. And the Netherlands have a balance that they've been struggling to find over the past few years, in my opinion. And you have on both sides of the pitch, Esme Br Esme Brut for example, is a very young player and she scored that goal.

I mean, Victoria Pelova is finally inserting herself in a very dominant and strong matter into the national team. And you have this balance between veteran experience and young players finally having that confidence and ability to kind of step up in these big moments. And that's probably a balance that a lot of national teams struggle to get a lot of the time, is the balance between the young players and experienced players and having that kind of effectiveness together. I think the Netherlands have finally reached that peak point with the players on the pitch,

and that's dangerous, you know, point final. Maybe England haven't gotten to that point yet with the younger players kind of living up to the potential of the experienced players, as in potentially, you know, England have better youngsters in most teams, but in terms of performance, maybe, you know, that gel and that fluidity between the experienced players and younger players isn't there yet.

But I think Netherlands have finally reached that point, and I think it's going to be a brilliant, brilliant match. You know, the balance again between the big players, known players, style of play I think is going to be, is a really close one as well. That's going to be quite interesting. You know, England likes to play down the wing, so does the Netherlands. So I think it's going to be head to head clash. That's quite interesting. But the Netherlands, again, they're at their peak at the moment, I think, with the players that they have. And I think they do want to take advantage of that, because four years later, their experienced players potentially aren't going to be there in the next four years. So I think that the older players know that and want to kind of

motivate everyone to, you know, this is it kind of mentality. I think Spain have that as well. Alexia Potea, I've seen her in a bitadzis potentially won't be there in the next four years. I think Alexia will, but the players maybe not. So that mentality that the Netherlands have is scary to go up against. Just a quick one on the weather, Suzie. We need Tom Gary, our meteorologist on the pod. Is that going to play a factor at all? Five o'clock kickoff UK time, obviously the first game was in the evening a little bit cooler. Is it still as oppressive the heat as it was last week? No it's great, it's been raining. I've never been so happy to see rain. Robin has her arms up in celebration. It's much much cooler. I agree.

When the rain came, I was on my knees. It's doing a rain dance in the street. I was like, let's go buy an umbrella. It's just the best. And it's going to rain tomorrow as well. It's going to like top temperature, 21 degrees. And then it starts to get hotter again towards the end of the week.

But it's not hitting at all for the next couple of weeks, the sort of mid-30s that was so we're free we're saved right that is good idea I was thinking more from a lioness's point of view than than your personal points of view but don't care I think I've lost my hair it applies to them too doesn't it I just lost my zoom they'll be loving the rain won't they

rain dances, the jiggling around for the rain dance caused my iPad to slip off its perch as a result. Right, let's talk about Wales. Another tough encounter for them. They take on France and St. Gallen. Jess Fishlock full of fighting talk when speaking to the BBC this week. If you're gonna ask me if I still believe that,

I presume she was asked, can you go through? Then I'll say wholeheartedly, I still believe the biggest message is not to dwell too much on the game and the loss. I think we really need to take what we need to take from it, move forward and throw the rest in the bin. You wouldn't expect anything less from Jess, would you, Susie? I mean, if she said anything different, you would have said she should have retired already. Like, you know, she's got to back the team

to be able to do something, of course. Whether they can do anything, I think, is, you know, the biggest of big asks that there could be. But, you know, anything can happen, it's football. The gap is huge. The gap between them in quality and experience and, you know, player pool and talent within that player pool is like so huge and that French front

three are going to probably have a little bit of a field day if Wales aren't really, really compact at the back. But yeah, anything can happen in football. Yes, yes, that's come up a few times. Rhianne Wilkinson's side probably going to set up as a compact offensive unit again, Robin. We saw that against the Netherlands. The problem this time is that a draw isn't going to be enough. And, you know, we go back to the age old issue of there's no out and out striker. So how do they go about winning the game? Yeah, it's going to be tough, obviously. But yeah, I think you've just got to, it's that old sort of, you know, a lot of teams do this, taking it block by block. And they

were so close to getting to half time against the Netherlands. I thought they were really good and actually just that Meadamar goal almost woke the Netherlands up and then they kind of battered them in the second half. But they are clearly very well coached Wales and actually looking at the sort of stats they won more duels than the Netherlands they are getting stuck in they're going to have to do the same they are so committed the problem is I think they probably will tire like they did in the second half against the Netherlands I think yeah you just got to take it almost sort of yeah 10 minute 50 minute blocks and see where you are and don't think, yeah, you've just got to take it almost sort of, yeah, 10 minute, 15 minute blocks and see where you are. And don't think about the fact you need to win. You know, we'll cross that bridge when it maybe they get, they have frustrated France and they

need to need to get a goal. I think that that's the main issue. I actually think defensively, they're not too bad. It's, they really, they really have very little threat up top. Also, I mean, Kerry Holland, what incredible performance she put in. I'm assuming, I mean, even if she isn't fit, she's gonna have to play. I'm afraid she's just gonna have to. It was cramped, she's fine.

This wasn't the hamstring injury we worried about. I'm not surprised though, she was honestly, it was like she was passing to herself at times and getting on the end of those balls. It was like unbelievable energy and they all just fed off that. I mean, it's going to be very, very difficult and it's, but I do think that their spirit and the fans and the coach, you know, it's not out of the question. No, it's not. But are you expecting more of the same from France, Alex? They looked so strong against England.

This feels like the most cohesive France we've kind of seen in a major tournament for a while. Yeah, definitely. I think that's, you know, nail on the head there. It's been a long time coming to see France this way, you know they have been that team as well you know we talked about Norway having you know that that front three I think you know France have always had Diani, Baltimore and Gattoto as their front three and you know you have these players and you're like why aren't you scoring more than more than you are considering you know you have these players and finally I think it is that cohesion and that

balance I think balance is the key words for a lot of the teams, whether it's in a good way or a bad way. You either have that balance or you don't and I think France finally have that balance between, you know, you have, they have individually probably one of, if not the strongest teams in the tournament when you have, you're talking about Gartawi and Basia, Elisa del Meda, I thought she was doing brilliantly behind Basia considering that's not her position. She is a center back, Basia is a full back, but you push Basia up, you push your center back

into a full back position. And it's as if she's been playing that position her entire life and that's not it. And when you have your two center backs, you don't have Wendy Renards, and obviously everyone's kind of freaking out about that. But I think when you have Alisson Bath has been really, really good with Lyon.

And you have these two young centre backs that are living up to the expectation. And it's just been brilliant to watch them. It's been so, so impressive. Individually, I think we've known for a long time the quality that these players have, but it's finally gelling together on the national team. And you have had that cycle kind of switch over.

You have Wendy Renard's not there for Alisson Bath, for example. You don't have Eugénie Le Sumer for Marie-Antoine Catoto. You don't have Amandine Henry, very Gréce Quellor. France have kind of cycled through their big, big names and their big, big players that have been legendary for France. And now it's kind of laid down to the new players and they've been grasping that with everything. And they've been living up to the potential that these other players have left. And they're just playing brilliant football. It's so nice to see Sandy Baltimore, again,, WSL player tells you she's had an amazing season

and that's reflecting on the national team. You know, Garth Tauhey has been one of my favorite players for a very, very long time because the quality that she has is just absolutely ridiculous and you combine that with a player like Sandy Baltimore and that wing is just, it's ridiculous. There's no other way to put it. It's just absolutely ridiculous to watch them.

And I think, yeah, France are probably one of the most, I would even go further to say maybe even more impressive than Spain it's just absolutely ridiculous to watch them and I think yeah France are probably one of the most I would even go further to say maybe even more impressive than Spain in a lot of ways because of the balance over defensive quality and offensive qualities. They're not scoring as much as Spain but they're not conceding as much as Spain and they're kind of playing very very together. Wow yeah they're more balanced. Yeah it's a bit different so I think it's just France have been probably the most impressive side for me this tournament so far. Yeah, oh, good luck Wales in that case. Wednesday, five o'clock, Leipzig,

Gründers, England, Netherlands. Those times are British summer time, by the way, eight o'clock on Wednesday in St. Gallen for Wales against France. Right, a few other bits to fill you in on and update you at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Senegal top group A after a 4-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo. They were 3-0 up after just 22 minutes and the Lionesses of Turanga can book their place in the quarterfinals if they beat Zambia on Wednesday. Nigeria are looking for an incredible record extending 10th WAFKON title. They kicked off with a 3-0 win over Tunisia in Group B. They

topped the group on goal difference after Algeria's 1-0 victory over Botswana and Holder's South Africa kicked off their title defense with a 2-0 win over Ghana. In the other match in the group, first half stoppage time goal from Saratou Traore was enough for Mali to edge their encounter against Tanzania as both sides started their campaigns. A few bits of Women's Super League transfer news for you as well. Aston Villa have made their first signing of the summer bringing in versatile Netherlands defender Lynn Vilmsen from Wolfsburg. She came on as a substitute against Wales at Euro 2025 on Saturday. Just 24 years old, can play centre-back and right-back. She's

a Champions League runner-up as well, so decent signing for Villa. Arsenal have picked up Jamaica full-back Taylor Hines on a free after her contract with Liverpool expired. Looks like a three and a half year deal. That one she's returning to the club she started her career with. Jamaica goalkeeper Becky Spencer's joined Chelsea on a permanent basis from Tottenham after her loan spell last season. That's on a one-year deal with the option to extend and Everton have been busy, haven't they, since the arrival of their new owners. Japan centre-back Rion Ishikawa has become the third player to sign for the Toffees this summer. There are reports as well that England's Katie Robinson could join on loan from Aston Villa. Right, there you go. You're up to date on everything so far. Thank you very much. Alex, brilliant. I can't believe a Spanish journalist has said that France are now favourites. The rest

of us say Spain. Good luck, we will speak to you later on in the tournament. Thank you for having me on. Yeah, I think I'm lucky that a lot of Spanish fans don't speak that English and won't necessarily hear this. But no, I think it'll be interesting going forward. I think that game is one to look forward to if they do come up against each other. It's going to be the game of the tournament. But yeah, no, thank you for having me on. As always. Robin, so lovely to see you. Make sure you're getting some rest. I know how exhausting it is. Keep doing the rain dances.

I'll attempt to. Thanks, Faye. Suzie, always a pleasure. Work on that vegan cheese for me, please. Is that like telling someone to go and buy stripy paint when they're an apprentice builder? Yeah I like it. Right we'll be back on Thursday we'll review the England and Wales matches keeping everything crossed for Wednesday. A reminder you can find us on the Guardian Women's Football Weekly social channels during the summer as well make sure you check out that pod too. Susie's going to be featuring a lot on there as is Robin with Max and Barry as well. Keep having your say, sending your questions via social media or emailing us at womensfootballweekly at theguardian.com and as

ever a reminder to sign up for our bi-weekly women's football newsletter. All you need to do is search moving the goalposts sign up. The Guardian Women's Football Weekly is produced by Sophie Downey and Silas Gray. Music composition was by Laura Iredale. Our executive producer is Sal Ahmad.